Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf says the dismissal of general manager Brian Burke was a shock.
Phaneuf said Thursday that all the players respected Burke, but they'll have to move forward because there is little preparation time before the games begin.
Burke was fired as GM and president Wednesday after four years at the helm of the NHL club and replaced by longtime assistant Dave Nonis.
Phaneuf was joined by about two dozen players for an informal workout at Toronto's practice facility. The captain says that he has a good relationship with Nonis and is looking forward to working for him.
Players are expected to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement this week, and the NHL is targeting a 48-game season beginning Jan. 19.

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